Let's Do The News! (June 13, 2025)

                                  

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Senate President Chiz Escudero denied Senator Risa Hontiveros' accusation that they planned to return the impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. According to Escudero, it can be seen from the emotions, temper, duration of the discussion, and the number of votes that there was no manipulation in the process.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet decided whether he will sign the bill that will extend the term of Barangay and SK officials from three years to six years. This was stated by the Palace after the House passed the term extension bill and the Senate approved the postponement of the barangay and SK elections.

- At least 290 people were killed when Air India Flight 171 crashed in Ahmedabad, India. The plane, which was en route to London, struck a hospital during the crash. Out of the 242 individuals on board, 241 lost their lives, while a single British passenger survived. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, marking the first major incident for this model.

- SEMA has been accepted as a full member of the FIA, representing the United States in mobility services, tourism, and advocacy.

- The homologation cycle for the WEC Hypercar class has been extended to the end of the 2032 season.

- A new IndyCar chassis and engine will be introduced from 2027 to 2028.

- Denny Hamlin will not participate in this weekend's NASCAR race in Mexico following the birth of his son. Ryan Truex will take over the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota race car at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track.

- BMW updated the XM lineup for the 2026 model year.

- Konami announced that a Silent Hill remake game with Bloober Team is in development. It also announced a PC release for the Suikoden Star Leap mobile game, and new modes for Metal Gear Solid △ Snake Eater, such as the Fox Hunt online multiplayer game and the Xbox-exclusive Snake VS Bomberman mini-game.

- Seowon has officially left the K-pop group NINE.i.

- Philippine Olympian Hidilyn Diaz plans to retire after the 2028 LA Olympics, calling it her "last dance". The Philippines' first-ever gold medalist says she's ready to have a baby.

TTFN.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Ford GT

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

The next car that I would like to cover is the second-generation Ford GT that was featured in Forza Motorsport 6. This was a special game for the franchise as it celebrated 10 years of Forza Motorsport.

Unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the second-generation Ford GT is another modern interpretation of the legendary Le Mans winner, the GT40.

This new version features significant styling improvements compared to its 2005 predecessor, along with various aerodynamic enhancements, including an active rear spoiler and a large underbody. The car also incorporates aluminum subframes and carbon fiber body panels for better performance and efficiency.

Under the hood, it is powered by a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Ford GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 216 mph.

It was originally limited to 200 units built at Ford's Markham plant in Ontario, Canada, with each costing nearly half a million US Dollars. However, increased demand prompted five times the production until Ford ended production of the new Ford GT in 2022 with a total of 1,350 units made.

How about a little commemorative lap around the Watkins Glen track to demonstrate how a decade of automotive brilliance made the second-generation Ford GT the American supercar that embodies the heritage of the legend itself? Let's roll the tape.

And just like that, many things happen in a decade. Faster things.

Forza Motorsport 6, like the second-generation Ford GT, shows what a decade of brilliance can create. It met the demands with incredibly realistic results.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN RACING TOWARDS

Next time, it's the turn of the 991.2-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the hero car of Forza Motorsport 7.

Subaru Stella (LA850F)

Many Japanese buyers are eager to get their hands on the new-generation Daihatsu Move, but their closest dealership happens to be a Subaru dealership. Thankfully, the latest Subaru Stella shares many similarities with the new Daihatsu Move. Let's explore this further.

2026 Subaru Stella

2026 Subaru Stella interior

The all-new Subaru Stella starts at 1,523,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs. Consider this an early birthday treat as the Subaru Stella nameplate is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Time flies, huh?

Beginning with the design, the all-new Stella is sharper looking than the previous model, although most people can easily mistake it for a Nissan Dayz of some sort. For the first time, it now features dual-sliding doors, which add conveniences to the Move's easy-living character. Asked about dimensions, it has a length of 3,395mm, 1475mm of width, up to 1670mm of height, and 2460mm of wheelbase.

While there may not be anything particularly unique about driving the all-new Stella, it does offer improved visibility compared to its predecessor. The addition of dual sliding doors makes it easier for passengers to enter through the rear, providing 1,055 mm of rear legroom and a height of 1,270 mm. One of the best features is that the seats can be folded down, allowing for various uses, whether it's for transporting cargo or creating a comfortable sleeping space during a leisurely Sunday drive. It also features multiple storage compartments for organizing items and a USB-C port to charge your devices.

The all-new Stella utilizes the DNGA platform, which accommodates the new model's design, powertrain, and dynamics while balancing its easy-driving character with fuel efficiency. The 660cc KF engine and CVT gearbox, along with the Eco-Idle idling stop system, provide the Stella with a fuel economy of around 22.6 km/L for front-wheel-drive models and 20.6 km/L for 4WD models. The ZS-exclusive turbocharged 660cc KF engine achieves approximately 19.9 km/L (4WD) to 21.5 km/L (2WD), based on WLTC Mode standards.

In addition to its slightly improved dynamics fit for city use, the all-new Stella features Smart Assist, which consists of up to 17 driver assist features, including collision avoidance, driver awareness, and parking assist.

For those interested in the all-new Daihatsu Move but living in a neighborhood where the nearest dealership is Subaru, look no further.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Let's Do The News! (June 12, 2025)

                                 

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Eighteen senator-judges voted to return the articles of impeachment against PH Vice President Sara Duterte to the House, and five voted against.

- In this celebration of the 127th year of Philippine Independence Day, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez calls on the people to "protect our democracy, advance development, and unite for the aspirations of the New Philippines of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr."

- Anti-ICE protests are spreading across America, including the streets of Seattle, where they will stage a big rally this weekend with expected violence.

- The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is officially the fastest EV production car in the Nurburgring Nordschleife at the lap time of 7:04.95s, faster than the Rimac Nevera.

- Toyota Gazoo Racing showcased its GR LH2 Racing Concept powered by a hydrogen powertrain.

Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept

- The Beginning After The End TV series will return next spring for its second season.

- The Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days.

- SAG-AFTRA and video game employers have reached a tentative agreement on an interactive media contract. The agreement terms are subject to review and approval by the National Board.

- The upcoming SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants casts Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro, and comedian George Lopez. Ice Spice will perform the movie's new song.

- Eun Ji Won announces marriage plans.

- In Game 3 of the NBA finals, the Indiana Pacers led 2-1 after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder at a score of 116-107.

- GMA Network declines the settlement offer of TAPE Inc.

TTFN.

Pichi Chaputin Tontanton

The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has introduced the Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will get a chance to shine. For the June edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project, here's Shizuku Osaka.

Pichi Chaputin Tontanton

Shizuku Osaka, voiced by Kaori Maeda, takes over the June edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project with her featured song "Pichi Chaputin Tontanton". This sixth installment includes this featured track and the additional song titled "My Untold Diary".

Next time... Ai Miyashita.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: BTS RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook discharged from military service

 

K-pop supergroup BTS reached a major milestone in their group journey this week as members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook officially completed their mandatory military service.

RM, 30, and V, 29, marked the end of their eighteen-month military duty on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Both RM and V were discharged in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, where RM served in the army band and V carried out his duties in a Special Military Police unit.

A livestream video from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a Korean news outlet, showed RM and V greeting fans with salutes and a saxophone performance as they came out.

The following day, June 11, youngest member Jungkook, 27, together with Jimin, 29, were also discharged after serving at the 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade.

They emerged from Yeoncheon’s public stadium clad in uniform, offering heartfelt salutes and thanks to the fans known as ARMY.

Following their discharge, Jungkook and Jimin went live on the online fan community Weverse to greet their fans.

"The first thing I wanted to tell you, ARMY, is thank you for waiting," Jimin said.

BTS entered a military hiatus in mid-2022 after the group's oldest member, Jin, 32, enlisted.

Since then, the group has staggered their service completions: Jin (June 2024), J-Hope (October 2024), RM and V (June 10, 2025), and Jimin and Jungkook (June 11, 2025).

Six out of the seven BTS members are now back together, with only Suga—currently serving as a social service agent—set to return home by June 21, marking the reunion of the world-famous K-pop boy group.

Source: PEP.ph

Let's Do The News! (June 11, 2025)

                                

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Office of the Vice President confirms receipt of the writ of summons sent by the PH Senate. Vice President Sara Duterte has ten days to answer the impeachment court.

- Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan remains outside House Secretary General Reginald Velasco's office in Batasan Pambansa.

- The PH Department of Agriculture says that the Philippines is promoting deeper ties with Egypt for agricultural trade.

- The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) plenary of judges rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s motion to disqualify two judges.

- PH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the dispatch of two large generator sets (gensets) to Siquijor as a temporary solution to the worsening power supply crisis in the area. This follows the President's inspection of the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) plant, the main power provider in the province.

- NutriAsia products such as Mang Tomas, Jufran, and UFC are now cleared by the US FDA.

-The US Marines are joining National Guard troops to protect ICE agents in Los Angeles amid violent protests. Currently, mass arrests are happening in Los Angeles after the curfew has kicked in, as Texas deploys National Guard troops.

- Hamas killed 50 Palestinian fighters armed by Israel in Gaza. Israeli forces killed over 70 Palestinians in ongoing attacks across Gaza.

- Naples will host the 2027 America's Cup sailing competition.

- Formula E teases its GEN4 car set to debut in Season 13. The GEN4 race cars will feature 600 kW of power, 700 kW of regeneration capability, and a permanent 4WD system. Meanwhile, the 12th season, the last of the GEN3 era, will see the Miami ePrix race in the Miami Autodrome and the Madrid race in Jarama.

- The Caterham Seven 310 Encore was unveiled, and it will be the last to be powered by the Ford Sigma engine.

2025 Caterham Seven 310 Encore

- BTS members Jimin and Jungkook are officially discharged from the military, a day after RM & V.

- The online casino app GameZone was officially launched in the Philippines.

-

TTFN.